Thursday, April 16, 2009

Is Sandstone A Good Choice For Bathroom Flooring

Sandstone consists of tiny, cemented grains.


Flooring can make or break the design of a bathroom. With many options to choose from, selecting an ideal flooring can feel overwhelming, but sandstone has a timeless appeal. A type of sedimentary rock, sandstone consists mostly of quartz and feldspar. It comes in a host of colors and is highly durable, though there are some drawbacks to using it in the home.


Maintenance


Sandstone floors require special care and maintenance to remain in top condition. The abrasiveness of dirt, sand and grit wears down stone flooring over time, so institute a "no shoes in the bathroom" rule to keep sandstone looking like new. When dirt accumulates, gently sweep it out or vacuum it up, as recommended by the World Floor Covering Association. Also, ensure that bristles on the vacuum cleaner head aren't tough enough to scratch flooring.


Style


A classic choice for homes, sandstone is not subject to trends that come and go, leaving your bathroom looking dated. Also, no two sandstone floor tiles are exactly alike, as each is custom designed by Mother Nature and has its own unique coloring and marbling. Sandstone tiles contain many shades, including ivory, gold, yellow and red and "evoke a barren, wind-swept landscape," according to the Tile Shop. The neutral tones of sandstone also work well with a variety of bathroom accessory colors.


Comfort








Sandstone flooring is strong and durable, but comfort must also be taken into consideration when tiling a bathroom. Particularly during winter months, sandstone flooring becomes cold, which can be an unpleasant sensation when stepping out of the bath, for instance. However, heating beneath the floor quickly remedies the problem, and when sandstone warms up, it retains heat well. Also, sandstone floor tiles are very hard, which may make them uncomfortable for anyone with foot, leg or back problems.


Cost and Safety


Though sandstone is tough stuff, there are safety and financial considerations to consider before using it to tile your bathroom. Sandstone flooring is significantly more expensive than other options, such as vinyl and laminate. As sandstone tiles are heavy, additional money may be required to alter the structure of the bathroom floor to render it capable of coping with excess weight. Glossy sandstone can also be very slippery, particularly when wet, which is a pressing concern in a bathroom.

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